Hand Washing & Disinfection Sinks For Chiropodists & Podiatrists

This page is written to provide practical guidance to assist in the selection of suitable hand washing basins and disinfection sinks for use by Chiropodists & Podiatrists. 
Extensive clinical practice guidance can be obtained from the Institute of Chirpopdists & Podiatrists or The College of Podiatry

Whilst best practice for Chiropodists and Podiatrists requires separate hand washing basins  and disinfection sinks (ideally located in separate rooms) , the options allowable are much broader than for other medical practices thus making selection and installation much easier.

Hand Washing Basin

This should be designated for hand washing only and ideally combined with either a sensor (touchless) tap. It is preferable to choose a basin without overflow as this ensures that infected water cannot pool within the basin. If choosing this option, the basin should be fitted with a flush grated (plugless) waste to prevent accidental flooding.
 

Disinfection Sinks

Ideally two sinks located in closed proximity should be installed with one sink for manual 'dirty' cleaning and the second sink for rinsing instruments prior to disinfection. If this is not possible a single sink and bowl can be used but in this instance the water from the bowl should not be disposed of via the clean sink.

There is no specific standard for these sinks so the most effective manner to achieve this is to choose either a surface mounted stainless steel double bowl sink or two separate bowls in close proximity that allows a single swivel spout tap to be used.
As suggested practice includes submerging instruments, the sinks should have wastes with plugs to allow filling. 

A separate drainage surface should be included in this area. The simplest way to do this is by using a double bowl sink with incorporated drainer or where not possible by siting a standard sink with drainer next to a small inset bowl.

Notjusttaps medical division are able to advise on selection  of cost effective handwashing & Disinfection basins, sinks & associated equipment.

The following may be particularly useful:
Institute of Chiropodists And Podiatrists Minimum Standards of Clinical Practice (opens as a PDF)